The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) saw an all-time high in corporate giving in 2008 among its member companies. Notwithstanding the world financial crisis, PBSP chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan reported during the Annual Membership Meeting and 38th Foundation Day Celebration of the PBSP that member companies contributed P75.84 million for social development projects and generated P247.6 million from donor agencies and partners during 2008.

Over P300 million went towards projects in the country, reaching 200,000 Filipinos through education, enterprise development, health and water, and area resource management projects. Even so, Pangilinan said corporations should do more to reduce poverty during difficult times.

Among the projects PBSP has lined up for this year are:

1. Expansion of area resource management program to 250 communities to reach 250,000 Filipinos.
2. Make schooling accessible to more children, improve facilities and train teachers, particularly in Mindanao.
3. Connect 1,000 schools to the Internet by the end of 2010.
4. Create 24,000 jobs this year by reaching out to more micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.
5. Help prevent tuberculosis and provide access to potable water.

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is the largest non-profit social development foundation led by corporations in the Philippines.